CLARKSDALE – Northwest posted its best start of the season with a 30-point first quarter but had to hold off a late fourth quarter surge from Coahoma in a 64-54 road win at The Pinnacle on Monday night.

With the win, the Lady Rangers improved to 12-7 on the season and 4-4 in the MACJC North. Coahoma fell to 9-9 overall and 3-5 in division play.

An early 2-2 tie was quickly broken by a massive 16-0 run by Northwest, highlighted by a pair of Lindsay Hall three-pointers. Valencia Watson's jumper finally ended the Coahoma scoring drought at the 4:32 mark but the Lady Rangers continued to hit shots, ending the opening quarter with a 19-point lead, 30-11.

Coahoma picked up the offense in the second quarter but Northwest continued to lead by double digits the entire first half, entering the locker room with a 42-28 advantage.

After a nearly three-minute scoring drought by both teams to open the second half, I'esha Mosby got the Lady Rangers going again with a layup, only to see Coahoma respond with layups from Ayani Cockrell and Iitasha Paty to keep the Lady Tigers within 14.

Northwest would see its grip start to slip midway through the fourth quarter when back-to-back baskets from Coahoma's Mary Wilkins sliced the Lady Rangers' lead down to eight. Cockrell followed with a layup to pull the Lady Tigers within six with 2:32 let to go.

Despite a missed basket on the other end, the Lady Rangers got another chance after a Coahoma turnover and foul, sending Ariel Tunstall to the line for two free throws. Another failed Lady Tiger possession would set up a fastbreak layup from Tunstall to put Northwest back ahead by 10 with a minute remaining, sealing the win for Northwest.

Mosby led Northwest with 12 points, including nine in the first half. Kayla Freeman also provided 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Hall totaled nine points. Sophomore Mallory Russell also led the Lady Rangers inside with seven points and six boards.

Jurnee McLaurin paced Coahoma with a 17-point, eight rebound effort.

Northwest shot 76 percent in the first quarter and 100 percent from beyond the arc but struggled in the second half, finishing the game shooting 41 percent from the floor. Coahoma finished 30 percent from the floor on the evening but edged Northwest in rebounds, 44-33.

Northwest will return home on Thursday, Feb. 6 for one of its two final home games, hosting Northeast for a 5:30 tipoff. Links to live stats and broadcast can be found at nwccrangers.com.